The Backline

Canadian Comedy Award winners Rob Norman and Adam Cawley discuss weekly improv-based topics based on a theme.
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Jun 10 2026

Bubble Letters

This week on Backline, Rob and Adam explore how improvisers can create characters with greater depth, vulnerability, and gravitas. Beyond...
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Jun 04 2026

Pulling Premises

This week on Backline, Rob and Adam tackle one of the most fundamental skills in longform improv: pulling premises from...
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May 12 2026

Paying the Tax

This week Rob and Adam, discuss the painful but necessary process of “Paying the Tax” , while trying to stay...
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May 05 2026

Rehearsal Vibes

This week, Rob and Adam open up the Backline Mailbag and find, wouldn’t you know it, two questions about rehearsal....
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Apr 22 2026

The Day of All Days

This week, Rob and Adam turn their attention to the concept “Day of All Days.” It’s a phrase that suggests...
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Apr 15 2026

Underwhelmed

This week, Rob and Adam explore how to navigate scenes with a partner who brings a limited emotional range. Together...
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Apr 08 2026

Lost

In this episode of The Backline, Rob and Adam explore why performers lose their footing, from overthinking to disconnection, and...
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Apr 01 2026

Learning but Bored

Advanced improv can be tricky—students freeze, forget the game, or feel overwhelmed by structure. This week Rob and Adam discuss...
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